Simple steps on how to measure for a new toilet seat

In the following steps will teach anyone the steps required to successfully measure a toilet seat. We have broken down the measuring process into simple steps that cover the most asked questions:

Tools needed for measuring a toilet seat

How to measure toilet seat bolt width

How to measure toilet seat width

How to measure seat length

What unit of measurement should I use?

The importance of getting the measurement right

Conclusion

Our goal is to ensure that all measurements are taken so you can avoid the walk of shame. The walk of shame is when you have to take the toilet seat back to the hardware store because it doesn’t fit.

Tools needed for measuring a toilet seat

First, we are going to get the tools for work. Do not worry about these, the tools are an easy and sure thing to find across your home. We will need a measuring tape or a school ruler. Those are for…, Nice!! You’re smart already. Next we will need a pen and a paper to write up the measurements.

We are going to fill in some of these points: ‘bolt width’, ‘width of toilet bolt’ and finally the ‘length of toilet bowl’. I sure hope you have noted those three points. Now let us get down to work and find out how we will replace that seat before someone needs it.

How to measure toilet seat bolt width

We will begin with measuring the first position. This is the part that holds the toilet seat to the bowl into position and ensures its firm movement when being lifted up and down. The toilet seat is held down by two bolts which is what we are going to measure. We are supposed to measure the distance between the two centers to the bolts, i.e. From the center of the left bolt to the center of the right bolt. After that record the measurements on the piece of paper and jump on to step two.

How to measure toilet seat width

Now we’ll measure the width of the toilet seat, which by the way is that distance that runs from the left to the right when you are seated on the toilet seat. Since you are handling a ruler pretty well till now, am sure you understand that when I tell you to measure the longest distance between these two ends, because this is the true width of the toilet seat.

How to measure seat length

For the final measurement, we are going to take the length of that seat, which is the distance that runs from the front of the toilet seat to the back of the seat. “Where at the back you?” may wonder, the back is that point that cuts vertically through the center of the two bolts at the back there. Take the longest measurement for this one too. Now we have our measurements that we could use at the store or even order online.

What unit of measurement should I use?

Try using the unit of that your country uses most which. This is one of the reasons that I did not post the standard measurements because they do vary depending on the country you live in. We have noted down measurements and are now ready to buy a new toilet seat.

The importance of getting the measurement right

Most big box stores and online retailers have great return policies. But can you imagine going there and being sold a previously used toilet seat? Yuck!! Right? So regardless of how great their return policy is, you may pushing the limits of their return policy. Who wants to be stuck with a toilet seat that doesn’t work?

Conclusion

Some of our toilets are made of porcelain which is very fragile. In this case, handle with care because despite how strong toilets are, they can easily crack from over tightening toilet seat bolts. Confirm your measurements again, then proceed to research the best toilet seat for your toilet. After you have made a decision on the best toilet seat run down to the hardware store or visit amazon.com and make your order!

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